The Role of Organic Matter in Conservation and Restoration of Soils in Southeastern Nigeria: A Review

The threat and subsequent destruction of land by soil erosion and other land degradation agent has been the subject for intensive debate. The main focus of the paper is providing a critical scientific review of the current state of knowledge regarding the role of organic matter to soil conservation and restoration of degraded lands in southeastern Nigeria. These are put into context to provide a sound scientific basis for policy development, to identify gaps in current knowledge and to recommend further research relating to organic matter usage. Causes and impact of land degradation as well as soil conservation and the role organic matter play in conserving soil and restoring degraded lands were examined.